Senator Ted Kennedy was the type of straight guy most every LGBT person could like. He was ahead of his time by championing LGBT rights for decades, fighting to pass inclusive hate crimes legislation, and an employment non-discrimination act that covered sexual orientation and gender identity. He was one of only 14 Senators to vote against the Defense of Marriage Act. And contrary to what many politicians were thinking when Massachusetts became the first state to enact marriage equality, Sen. Kennedy celebrated that moment for its importance in civil rights history.
With Sen. Kennedy's passing, a giant hole is now left in the...on record with a forceful statement supporting marriage equality. "[Marriage equality] is ... that would completely expand immigration rights...
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The Next Kennedy When it Comes to LGBT Rights
Posted by
SFbeat 996 days ago
(http://gayrights.change.org)
New Massachusetts DOMA case may be key in gay marriage fight (AUG 31)
Posted by
SFbeat 996 days ago
(http://www.law.com)
A carefully planned test challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the federal statute that bans federal recognition of same sex marriages, is taking shape in Massachusetts, one of a growing number of states to recognize marriage equality. The case could have important immigration implications because DOMA bars conferring immigration benefits to these couples. If the plaintiffs are successful, it would pave the way for US citizens to petition for green cards for their same-sex spouses.
While the high-profile, Ted Olson- and David Boies-managed legal fight against California's Proposition 8 captures headlines, a carefully planned case quietly underway in Massachusetts federal court could be the gay marriage test with the greatest national impact....
While the high-profile, Ted Olson- and David Boies-managed legal fight against California's Proposition 8 captures headlines, a carefully planned case quietly underway in Massachusetts federal court could be the gay marriage test with the greatest national impact....
On August 18th, 2009, I appeared before the California Assembly’s Judiciary Committee with Ms Gina Caprio, Melanie Nathan, Equality California (EQCA)& Asian American for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE) to present testimony in support of Assembly Joint Resolution 15 (AJR15). This resolution was introduced by Assemblyman De Leon in support of Uniting American Families Act which if passed in congress will allow an American citizen to sponsor his/her same sex partner for a green card by adding 3 more words, “or permanent partner” after spouse in immigration law.
The resolution passed the committee on a party line vote of 6 – 3 and it is now headed to the floor of California’s Assembly for a vote. If the resolution passed, it would put the state of California on record as supporting UAFA as well as its inclusion in the Reuniting Families Act (RFA) as introduced by Rep Mike Hon
The resolution passed the committee on a party line vote of 6 – 3 and it is now headed to the floor of California’s Assembly for a vote. If the resolution passed, it would put the state of California on record as supporting UAFA as well as its inclusion in the Reuniting Families Act (RFA) as introduced by Rep Mike Hon
New DOMA Brief More LGBT Friendly
Posted by
igualdad 1009 days ago
(http://www.advocate.com)
The Department of Justice filed its second brief in response to the Smelt v. United States lawsuit challenging the Defense of Marriage Act, and LGBT activists said the brief was not only much more palatable but also made some historic concessions.
The Wall Street Journal Reports upon US Immigration Issues
Posted by
DividedByLaw 1009 days ago
(http://integrity-legal.com)
“President Obama continues his quiet retreat from a campaign pledge to make comprehensive immigration reform “a top priority in my first year as President.” Following a summit meeting in Guadalajara last week with the leaders of Mexico and Canada, Mr. Obama said that an immigration overhaul will have to wait until next year.”
In the next Congressional session it is hoped that Comprehensive Immigration Reform will be dealt with and the current problems associated with large numbers of illegal aliens in the United States will finally be put to rest. Of further concern to some immigration equality advocates is the issue of US family based visas for couples of the same sex. Currently the Defense of Marriage Act bars the Federal government from granting US Immigration benefits based upon a same sex marriage or an intent to enter into a same sex marriage.
However, t
In the next Congressional session it is hoped that Comprehensive Immigration Reform will be dealt with and the current problems associated with large numbers of illegal aliens in the United States will finally be put to rest. Of further concern to some immigration equality advocates is the issue of US family based visas for couples of the same sex. Currently the Defense of Marriage Act bars the Federal government from granting US Immigration benefits based upon a same sex marriage or an intent to enter into a same sex marriage.
However, t
Press Release from National Equality March Supporting UAFA
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1009 days ago
(http://pflaglaurelms.wordpress.com)
NAACP BOARD CHAIRMAN LEADS GROUP OF RECENT, HIGH-PROFILE ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE NATIONAL EQUALITY MARCH Diverse Ranks Continue to Deepen as “Equality Across America” Expands Los Angeles, CA, August 18 – Broad-based support for the National Equality March (NEM) has been growing exponentially across the country over the past few weeks, according to its organizer Equality Across America (EAA). Thousands of Americans are hearing the drumbeat for LGBT equality and plan to follow it to the nation’s capital this October. Thousands of individuals representing dozens of organizations from across the country have gone to the organization’s website to sign up.
US Representative, Danny K. Davis, of Chicago, Illinois; Michael Letwin, Co-Convener, New York City Labor Against the War (NYCLAW); and NAACP Board Chairman, Julian Bond, have all recently voiced their support for the NEM. “GLBT r
US Representative, Danny K. Davis, of Chicago, Illinois; Michael Letwin, Co-Convener, New York City Labor Against the War (NYCLAW); and NAACP Board Chairman, Julian Bond, have all recently voiced their support for the NEM. “GLBT r
Get ready to laugh. I'm going to lead you through the twists and turns of one of the most ridiculous places known to humankind: the U.S. Congress. The purpose of this exercise is to explain what has happened to the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
But I have a deeper goal. The hate crimes bill is the first in a series of pro-LGBT proposals expected to come before Congress. These include the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, changes in immigration laws and repeals of the Defense of Marriage Act and the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbians and gays in the military.
Given that President Obama has said he favors these proposals, the trick for LGBT America is to get them through Congress and onto his desk. This is no easy task. To succeed, our community and allies must understand how Congress really works. We need to know when to relax and let the pro
But I have a deeper goal. The hate crimes bill is the first in a series of pro-LGBT proposals expected to come before Congress. These include the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, changes in immigration laws and repeals of the Defense of Marriage Act and the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbians and gays in the military.
Given that President Obama has said he favors these proposals, the trick for LGBT America is to get them through Congress and onto his desk. This is no easy task. To succeed, our community and allies must understand how Congress really works. We need to know when to relax and let the pro
ABA NEA Come Out for Gay Rights (The Advocate via Yahoo! News)
Posted by
MikeLA 1011 days ago
(http://news.yahoo.com)
LGBT causes got a major boost last week when two large professional associations announced their support for same-sex marriage recognition.The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) recently adopted resolutions supporting gay rights.
The ABA, at a Chicago conference last week, called on lawmakers to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. While the association did not take an overt stand on marriage equality, they called the active law, which bars federal agencies from recognizing legal same-sex marriages, unfair.
Estelle Rogers, a member and consultant on civil rights, told the ABA's newsletter, "This is a very modest recommendation, some would even say a fair recommendation."
In San Diego, the NEA came out for LGBT causes, aligning itself with the community on DOMA, the passage of an employee nondiscrimination act
The ABA, at a Chicago conference last week, called on lawmakers to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. While the association did not take an overt stand on marriage equality, they called the active law, which bars federal agencies from recognizing legal same-sex marriages, unfair.
Estelle Rogers, a member and consultant on civil rights, told the ABA's newsletter, "This is a very modest recommendation, some would even say a fair recommendation."
In San Diego, the NEA came out for LGBT causes, aligning itself with the community on DOMA, the passage of an employee nondiscrimination act
California Assembly To Hear Testimony On Resolution on Uniting American Families Act
Posted by
ATLdave 1011 days ago
(http://www.topix.com)
The California Assembly Judiciary Committee will be hearing testimony on AJR 15, a California resolution to support the federal Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
The resolution, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the US Congress pass and that President Barack Obama sign the Uniting American Families Act. Under current federal law, American citizens are permitted to sponsor an opposite-sex spouse. LGBT partners do not have the same right and are specifically excluded even if married under State law, sue to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA which defines marriage as between a man and a woman only. The UAFA would extend this basic right to committed same-sex couples, who can prove they are in a committed relationship.
The resolution, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the US Congress pass and that President Barack Obama sign the Uniting American Families Act. Under current federal law, American citizens are permitted to sponsor an opposite-sex spouse. LGBT partners do not have the same right and are specifically excluded even if married under State law, sue to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA which defines marriage as between a man and a woman only. The UAFA would extend this basic right to committed same-sex couples, who can prove they are in a committed relationship.
Caught Between Love and Country Part I (The New Gay)
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1015 days ago
(http://thenewgay.net)
There have been quite a few words in past Global Gaze columns dedicated to the plight of sexual minorities seeking asylum in the United States from repressive and discriminatory governments around the world. But there are other difficulties in terms of U.S. immigration policy that queer people face on a daily basis. For those individuals who are running towards something – in this case a lover or spouse from a different country – rather than away from their home, there are challenges to be overcome as well.
This is because American immigration laws treat LGBT and heterosexual couples differently when it comes to sponsoring a partner for residency. This has resulted in the creation of gay and lesbian binational couples in which one half of the pair must choose to either leave the U.S. or end the relationship. As laws regarding same-sex marriage and civil unions continue to
This is because American immigration laws treat LGBT and heterosexual couples differently when it comes to sponsoring a partner for residency. This has resulted in the creation of gay and lesbian binational couples in which one half of the pair must choose to either leave the U.S. or end the relationship. As laws regarding same-sex marriage and civil unions continue to
Professional Associations Back UAFA and Gay Marriage
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1017 days ago
(http://allogenes.blogspot.com)
Both the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) have adopted resolutions backing GLBT rights, including the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry.
Without naming the legislation, the NEA voiced its support for repeal of DOMA, passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill currently before Congress that would ban employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, a bill that would extend health-care and retirement benefits to the gay and lesbian spouses of federal employees, and the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), a bill that would allow gay and lesbian Americans to sponsor an immigrant partner for citizenship.
Without naming the legislation, the NEA voiced its support for repeal of DOMA, passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill currently before Congress that would ban employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, a bill that would extend health-care and retirement benefits to the gay and lesbian spouses of federal employees, and the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), a bill that would allow gay and lesbian Americans to sponsor an immigrant partner for citizenship.
Close your eyes and imagine that all of your family overseas resides here near you in the United States. Now imagine that because of antiquated legislation those loved ones are barred from joining you state-side. This disheartening separation is what bi-national same-sex couples are subjected to under current U.S. immigration law. Although immigration law is supposed to work in favor of family unification, it discriminates against gays and lesbians by preventing them from sponsoring their foreign national partners.
The current immigration system draws its bows of injustice from two different angles. Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), U.S. citizens and permanent residents may petition for family-based immigration – but because same-sex partners are not considered “spouses”, gay Americans cannot file residency for their partners.
The gap betwee
The current immigration system draws its bows of injustice from two different angles. Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), U.S. citizens and permanent residents may petition for family-based immigration – but because same-sex partners are not considered “spouses”, gay Americans cannot file residency for their partners.
The gap betwee
Old Amsterdam sends New Amsterdam a love note (Pams House Blend)
Posted by
DividedByLaw 1023 days ago
(http://www.pamshouseblend.com)
Of course in this day and age, marriage between two people of the same sex or gender isn't just a matter of love, like it or not it's a matter of politics. The Dutch parliamentarian Boris Dittrich, who in 1994 introduced the Netherlands' first gay marriage bill and now is an advocacy director at New York's Human Rights Watch, was on hand for the festivities and kept the light of reality shining. "We want to show to the American public that gay couples cannot get immigration, cannot get equal rights like heterosexual couples can" Dittrich said. Uniteing American Families Act, anyone?
Although these newleyweds' civil marriages won't be recognized by the US federal government or most state governments, they will be recognized by New York state thanks to Governor David Patterson's executive order of May 14, 2008. Marriage equality legislation already passed in the New York
Although these newleyweds' civil marriages won't be recognized by the US federal government or most state governments, they will be recognized by New York state thanks to Governor David Patterson's executive order of May 14, 2008. Marriage equality legislation already passed in the New York
Feingold Sought to Introduce DOMA Repeal Visa Implications
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1023 days ago
(http://integrity-legal.com)
As the movement towards the eventual repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) continues, it appears that proponents of repeal may score a minor victory by enlisting Senator Russ Feingold to introduce repeal legislation.
The Washington Blade reports,“[Senator] Feingold is an attractive ally to introduce a DOMA repeal bill because he chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Constitution Subcommittee, which hold jurisdiction over DOMA, she said.”
Concurrently, it would appear that Jerry Nadler, Democratic Member of the House of Representatives, is preparing to introduce a bill to repeal DOMA. Under the provisions of the DOMA repeal currently being considered, states would not be forced to recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states, but the Federal government would be required to recognize these marriages and provide federal benefits.
Je
The Washington Blade reports,“[Senator] Feingold is an attractive ally to introduce a DOMA repeal bill because he chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Constitution Subcommittee, which hold jurisdiction over DOMA, she said.”
Concurrently, it would appear that Jerry Nadler, Democratic Member of the House of Representatives, is preparing to introduce a bill to repeal DOMA. Under the provisions of the DOMA repeal currently being considered, states would not be forced to recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states, but the Federal government would be required to recognize these marriages and provide federal benefits.
Je
The State of the Same-Sex Union Part Three in a Three Part Series (FindLaw)
Posted by
MarcoMUC 1023 days ago
(http://us.rd.yahoo.com)
In the previous parts of this series (available here and here ), we described the history of the fight over same-sex marriage in the United States and mapped out the current national landscape, which features full marriage equality rights in some states, quasi-marriage rights in other states, and absolute bans on same-sex marriage in a large majority of states.
Because of these anti-recognition provisions, same-sex partners who validly marry in Massachusetts, or in another state or foreign country that permits such unions, will not have their marriages recognized by most other states. Thus, by moving or even traveling, a same-sex couple can effectively lose their marital status while in other states. That same couple will also be denied recognition for any federal law purpose such as immigration, Social Security benefits, or tax status.
Covered:
Marriage
Because of these anti-recognition provisions, same-sex partners who validly marry in Massachusetts, or in another state or foreign country that permits such unions, will not have their marriages recognized by most other states. Thus, by moving or even traveling, a same-sex couple can effectively lose their marital status while in other states. That same couple will also be denied recognition for any federal law purpose such as immigration, Social Security benefits, or tax status.
Covered:
Marriage
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Promoting public awareness of the need for fairness in immigration policy particularly as it relates to the rights of same-sex bi-national couples in the United States who seek equal immigration rights; Providing information regarding political issues relating to gay immigration equality issues, rights and policy.